Expat Abogados — Property Law & Taxes
    Free legal tool

    Your roadmap to buying property in Spain

    Understand the main legal steps before signing, paying or completing your purchase — from finding the property to long-term support.

    1 minute readTimeline

    Buying property in Spain is easier when you know the roadmap. The exact steps may vary depending on the property, location, seller, financing and documentation — this is the typical path our foreign clients follow.

    1. Step 1 of 9

      You find a property

      You have found a property in Spain and the agent may ask you to reserve it quickly. Before transferring money, it is important to understand what you are being asked to sign.

      What we check
      • What the agent is actually asking you to commit to
      • Whether the deposit can be conditional on legal review
      • Urgency vs. real risk of losing the property
      Estimate the buying costs
      Property Cost EstimatorReservation Contract Checker
    2. Step 2 of 9

      Initial legal review

      We review the basic information, the listing, the reservation document and the available property documents before you commit further.

      What we check
      • Type of operation and parties involved
      • Real urgency and deadlines
      • Scope, price and structure of the purchase
      • Documents to request straight away
      What you'll need
      • Listing or link to the property
      • Estate agent contact details
      • Reservation document if it exists
      • Whether you'll buy personally, jointly or via company
    3. Step 3 of 9

      Reservation contract

      Reservation documents can look simple, but they may affect your deposit, deadlines and ability to withdraw if legal issues appear later.

      What we check
      • Identity of seller and clear identification of property
      • Who holds the reservation money
      • Refundable conditions and deadlines
      • Whether due diligence is protected
      Run the red flag scanner
      Reservation Contract Checker
    4. Step 4 of 9

      Due diligence

      We check the legal status of the property before you sign the main private contract or move toward completion.

      What we check
      • Nota Simple, ownership, charges and mortgages
      • IBI, community debts and pending fees
      • Planning and urban status, licences
      • Cadastre, occupation and utilities
      • Tourist rental viability if relevant
      Can I rent this property?
    5. Step 5 of 9

      Private purchase contract or arras

      Once the main checks are complete, the private purchase contract sets the key terms: price, deposit, deadlines, completion date and obligations of each party.

      What we check
      • Drafting or review of the contract
      • Negotiation of key clauses
      • Protection of the deposit
      • Coordination with agent, seller and notary
    6. Step 6 of 9

      NIE, funds and notary preparation

      Before completion, we coordinate the practical requirements: NIE, funds, Power of Attorney if needed, notary documentation and final checks.

      What we check
      • NIE and tax coordination
      • Power of Attorney if you cannot travel
      • Funds preparation and bank coordination
      • Notary appointment and final draft
    7. Step 7 of 9

      Notary completion

      At completion, the public deed is signed before the notary, the price is paid and the keys are delivered, subject to the agreed terms.

      What we check
      • Final deed draft and amounts
      • Coordination with notary office
      • Attendance in person or by Power of Attorney
      • Final documentation and key handover
    8. Step 8 of 9

      Taxes and Land Registry

      After completion, purchase taxes must be filed and the property must be registered in your name at the Land Registry.

      What we check
      • Filing of ITP, VAT or AJD as applicable
      • Submission of the deed to the Land Registry
      • Follow-up of inscription
      • Confirmation of final ownership

    Ready to start your purchase the right way?

    Tell us about the property and your situation. We'll review the legal side before you sign or transfer money.

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    This free tool is part of our Buying a Property in Spain service.

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    This is an initial orientation, not legal or tax advice. The final result depends on documents, public authority criteria, applicable law, deadlines, property details and your personal situation. Always confirm with a qualified Spanish lawyer before signing or paying.